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The Valley Press

Obituary Notices and Memorials

SCHMITT, BILL RED
SCHMITT, Bill 'Red'
93, passed away May 28, 2010, at his home in Pearblossom. Born in Los Angeles in 1916, he graduated from Van Nuys High School. He loved cars and dogs, and had lots of both during his long life. He met the love of his life, Winifred Taplin, while both worked at Sears in Hollywood. They married in April 1941. World War II took him to the South Pacific where he served on a destroyer escort as machinist mate. After the war, Bill and Winnie settled in the Crenshaw district of L.A., and raised 3 children, Bill Jr., John and Patti. He worked as a master journeyman pipeline welder. He was a 45 year member of the So. Cal Pipefitters Union. In his spare time he built and raced go-carts and hot rods with his sons, restored bicycles for needy children at Christmas, and restored broken Renaults and Volkswagons to keep several family members and friends mobile. After retiring to Pearblossom in 1980, he and Winnie traveled the United States and Mexico before her passing in 1982. He achieved nearly 50 years of sobriety with AA. Survived by Bill Jr., Patti, 5 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. The family wants to thank his Angels Louise and Betty, and everyone at Hoffman Hospice for their loving care during his final days.